21-3-2024 (BANGKOK) A former abbot of Wat Pa Dhammakiri in Nakhon Ratchasima has been sentenced to an astonishing 468 years in prison for his role in an embezzlement case involving nearly 300 million baht.
The verdict was delivered by the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases on Wednesday, following lawsuits filed by prosecutors against Phra Ajarn Khom, the ex-abbot of Wat Pa Dhammakiri in Pak Chong district, and eight accomplices implicated in the scandal.
Formerly known as Khom Kongkaeowas, Khom was the primary defendant, while the other eight included Wutthima Thaomor, the temple’s previous abbot; Khom’s sister, Juthathip Phubodiwarochuphan; his driver, Boonyasak Patarakosol; and five defrocked monks — Boonsong Panpuwong, Bundit Yoicha, Nathapat Tangjaisanong, Boonluea Phothong, and Thanakrit Yotsurin.
The court concluded that Khom collaborated with the defrocked monks to misappropriate the temple’s donations. He stored the funds in his personal bank account, accessible only by his sister, from which money was withdrawn 76 times.
Additionally, Khom instructed his sister to conceal some cash at his residence, leading to the seizure of 51.4 million baht by the police. Moreover, other former monks were directed to hide assets outside the temple premises.
Upon investigation, authorities uncovered 1,455 items, including cash and assets valued at 299.5 million baht. Khom was convicted on 78 counts, resulting in a staggering 468-year prison sentence, with six years per count.
Wutthima received a total jail term of 312 years, having been found guilty on 78 counts. Juthathip was sentenced to 308 years for her involvement in 77 counts.
According to Thai law, the maximum duration of imprisonment is capped at 50 years. The sentences of the other defendants were reduced to two years from three due to their cooperation with the authorities.
